In the hospitals of N.J. Children are not allowed to visit because of the rising flu

The recent increase in influenza in New Jersey and the first deaths among children with influenza have resulted in hospitals taking extra precautions to restrict visits to children and those with flu-like symptoms.

Inspira Health and Atlantic Health are among the state-restricted systems.

Inspira Health, which has four facilities in South Jersey, said in a statement that visiting children under the age of 13, or those with a fever, cough, or symptoms such as one is no longer tolerable, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These individuals may remain without antipyretic drugs after 24 hours of no complaints.

The hospital system found that anyone wishing to attend a patient in a specialty area at one of his or her sites (Maternity, Paediatrics, Neonatal Care, Critical Care or Behavioral Health) should be preceded by "additional restrictions may apply to certain departments."

Atlantic Health System has also introduced age and other restrictions in its facilities.

Children under the age of 1

6 and those who feel ill are denied maternity, neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care and emergency services, a spokeswoman said in an e-mail.

"By limiting the number of people entering our facilities, we can better control the spread of viruses and infections and minimize unnecessary risks," said Laura Anderson, Director of Infection Prevention at Atlantic Health System, said in a statement.

Atlantic Health System has six locations in New Jersey:

Morristown Medical Center at Morristown

Overlook Medical Center at Summit

Newton Medical Center at Newton

Chilton Medical Center at Pompton Plains

Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown

Goryeb Children's Hospital in Morristown [1965901] 6] According to state health officials, the flu is officially distributed in all 21 countries. So make sure you take extra measures, including a flu shot, hand washing and covering this cough, health experts say.

A child from Central Jersey died last month from influenza-related illness officials who mark the first death of pediatric flu in the state this season.

Spencer Kent can be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com . Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent . Find NJ.com on Facebook .

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